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PRISM
Together
we are stronger
The current economic climate is driving new alliances between printers,
suppliers, events and associations, strengthening businesses and the
industry itself
A
year ago the market felt like is was in in the industry. There is always an initial this exhibition’s continuing success
meltdown. Fortunately that hasn’t wariness by all parties but once it is demonstrates that events are seen as
happened for the majority but there recognised there are synergies that can be stepping stones to help us through the
are an increasing number of casualties as exploited the barriers come down and a most challenging economic times we have
the low margins and unstable debtors take positive dialogue ensues. ever experienced.
their toll. By working together to provide a greater Fespa has not been unscathed. Civil
It is interesting to see that Las Barrow range of services to the end customer it is uprising in Thailand for Fespa Asia, terrorist
and his team at Augustus Martin have possible to eliminate the middle men who attacks in Mumbai prior to Fespa India and,
recognised the need to co-operate with are slicing the profit off the job. Sometimes to add insult to injury, swine flu before and
companies across Europe to provide a they collapse and take their print service during Fespa Mexico. In spite of this the
resource that is capable of dealing with the providers with them. organisation is prospering with an
largest trans-national contracts. The joint You have to ask why middle men have extremely successful Fespa Digital in
venture known as PoP Europe is probably taken a hold in the PoS industry? They did Amsterdam.
the first of other such collaborations. Being so because there was a need. Print service For those unaware prism is closely
members of prism and consequently Fespa providers were originally unwilling or unable associated with Fespa, the association is
has undoubtedly assisted in this alliance. to present their companies and services in actually a shareholder in Fespa Limited.
As an association we are doing our best the way clients required. This opened the This means it does not pay dividends to
to stimulate discussion between companies door for well organised intermediaries to shareholders but invests the profits back
step in and offer a total service to print into the company and the industry via
buyers. projects and other activities. An example is
In the past print buyers were often the recent update of the Planet Friendly
experts in the subject, talking the language Guide. The guide, only available to
of print. Now these sector specialists have members, is an invaluable tool for
been largely replaced by procurement developing strategies to increase
people whose main aim is to reduce the performance and profitability by using
purchase price without understanding the improved environmental practice.
longer term cost. Fortunately many print Another example is the UK Pavilion at
service providers have recognised their Fespa 2010 where prism members will be
shortcomings and are now offering able to secure advantageous prices for shell
complete solutions. Co-operating with other schemes. This will allow members to
providers in a mutually beneficial alliance consider a presence at this prestigious
has to be the future. exhibition without the price being
If you want to set up relationships with prohibitive. This is for suppliers and printers
other companies in your field, talk to prism. who are looking to set up alliances in
We can facilitate relationships that can only Europe and elsewhere. Remember together
be good for you and the industry. we are stronger.
Fespa 2010 (22 to 26 June 2010, Messe
Munich, Germany) is fast approaching and llll www.prismuk.org
Visit us at www.spdi-online.com October 2009 l SCREEN PROCESS AND DIGITAL IMAGING 23
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